Cowra: Peace History, Gardens and Railways

Cowra offers different ways to explore history and culture: a significant heritage site, a memorial to peace and reconciliation, a Japanese garden and railway experiences. There are also opportunities to get around on foot or by bike on sealed paths. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether to focus on historic memorial sites, garden culture or outdoor activities.

History and Remembrance in Cowra

The Cowra Prisoner of War Camp site is one of the most significant heritage sites in New South Wales. At 1:50 am on 5 August 1944, Cowra was the site of the largest prisoner-of-war breakout in modern military history. The Cowra POW Hologram Theatre tells the story of the 1944 Cowra Breakout in a nine-minute holographic presentation. It is located in a replica World War II hut at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre. The Cowra POW Hologram is free for all visitors; no booking is required. This section therefore connects the significance of the camp site as a heritage site with the specific story of the breakout and its holographic presentation. For trip planning, these are different ways to engage with remembrance: the historic site, the story as told, and the standalone presentation.

Australia’s World Peace Bell in Civic Square also offers different ways to engage with the site: you can read the information panels, listen to an audio presentation and ring the bell yourself. The Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre is, in turn, a memorial to peace and reconciliation between two countries.

Garden Landscapes and Bonsai

The Kaiyushiki strolling garden at the Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre features a rocky hillside, waterfalls, streams and two lakes. These lakes provide habitat for local birds. If you would like to explore garden culture and nature as well as memorial sites during your trip, this place offers a focus of its own.

Practical bonsai workshops are also held at the Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre.

On Foot, by Bike and by Rail

On the Garrison Walk in the Cowra Peace Precinct at the Cowra Prisoner of War Camp, you can walk or cycle on sealed paths. The Cowra Tourist Railway runs from the railway station to the Lachlan River Bridge, adding a train journey to the varied historical and cultural experiences.

The Historic Cowra Railway Station is open to visitors on the last full weekend of each month, when the Lachlan Valley Heritage Railway Society operates train rides. This condition is worth noting when planning a visit to the station.

Choose the focus of your trip according to the experiences that interest you most. You can also discover Billimari as another place to consider when planning your holiday.

For the broader travel overview: Cowra Shire Council.